FISH GILL DAMAGE
FROM MALATHION IN WATER
Photographs show cross section of a normal bluefish
gill (LEFT) and a bluefish gill after malathion exposure (RIGHT).
Exposure was to malathion at levels which have previously been found
to occur in the environment - .05 mg/liter
Research conducted by the
Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Ohio |
NORMAL FISH
GILL
Photograph of a healthy bluefish gill.
The tips seen in this photograph are called the primary filaments. These filaments
transfer oxygen from the water to the fish.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE JOURNAL
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION TOXICOLOGY, 43:123-130, 1989 |
MALATHION
EXPOSED GILLS
Photograph of the same area of bluefish gill as seen in the left picture but 24 hours
after the fish was placed in a tank containing low levels of malathion (.05 mg/liter).
Cross section shows tips of what is called the primary filament. Note massive degeneration
of filament from malathion exposure. This reduces oxygen levels to the fish.- both left
and right photographs were of the same area in the fish and of the same magnification.
Researchers state not all fish are this affected by malathion, but bluefish show
heightened vulnerability and bluefish are a popular food a game fish.
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